Whilst in the past doctors tested concoctions of milk and wine as blood transfusions, the future looks to use non-organic materials. To be specific, doctors are looking at replicating the functions of blood’s individual ingredients – red and white blood cells, platelets, and plasma – instead of blood in totality. Not only is this a simpler approach, but it also allows for more tailored treatments: “[a] relatively small bleed may require only red blood cells, whereas substantial blood loss may [need] red blood cells along with platelets and plasma.” Read full article here
Societal Issues
To curb drug deaths, communities turn to Reddit, texts and wastewater
With drug overdose deaths on the rise, authorities are attempting to curb the epidemic by tracking and sharing information in real time. In one unique effort, a nonprofit in New York City is using drug-testing equipment and stamping or marking habits of dealers to identify drug batches that may endanger users. Other approaches are also being used, such as monitoring drug-related chatter on Reddit and analyzing local wastewater for opioid and other drug levels. With the combination of these efforts, researchers hope to put a dent in the opioid crisis and reduce overdose deaths. Read full article here
Merv
June 1, 2023
